New Theory and Breeding Setup design

[FISHBREEDER]

Sorry if my spelling is horrible, big Italian family... A little background on me, as its probably been a year since I've posted on here:

Experience: I currently have about 40 reptile tanks, many are poison dart frogs, and a few other exotic species, an African Grey parrot, sugar gliders...

As far as fish go, have about 30 some freshwater tanks, and have bread discus, gold rams, betas, emperor tetras, other common fish guppies ect...

W/ saltwater I have a few reef tanks, and until recently had a fish only tank for a Picasso Trigger (about 12" and how ever many years old)

With her passing, I now want to devote more time to breeding saltwater fish. With the experience we (my brother and I) have with we think we can have decent success with the saltwater fish.

With my poison dart frogs, I create and provide a very very natural environment, everything from light, rain cycles, humidity, plants, ect... and all the vivariums are self sustaining (with some minor maintenance.)

I basically want to do the same thing, except this time with a full reef tank. I want to basically mimic one of my other reef tanks which is full of star polyps, zooanthids, and other soft corals.

I've done a lot of research on breeding different fish, and though I'll be staying away from clownfish, we are considering the cardinals, neon gobies, dottybacks, tangs, and scooter blennies. We want to set up the tank so that there is a plethora of soft corals and plenty of places that fry can feed, hide, and grow.

I'm more than welcome to input, comments, suggestions (on fish or design) and we hope that we can add to the limited information and technique on breeding saltwater fish.

 

[Atticus]

Won't work. It is everyone's dream to raise fry in a reef tank, but it is not possible. Fry take on a planktonic stage in saltwater fish that in nature requires a planktonic level/cloud for them to live and feed in. This must be simulated and the only way to do so is to place the fry in a growout tank where they can be housed with their food source in a high density.

If this idea is 100% your goal I would try Bangaii or Sea Horses as they are the only known "live" bearers of the ornamental saltwater world. They care for their fry past metamorphasis, so they would have the best chance.

Also remember that many corals are predatory and they will eat anything small enough to fit in their mouths. Also reef tanks require low nutrients, broodstock require heavy feedings not a great combination. The key for breeding most saltwater species has been found to be stability, not recreation of natural habitat.

We have had best success with clowns breeding them in sterile tanks with only a clay pot for them to sleep/nest in. This system takes out the variables and the clowns do the rest once they feel stable.